Are There Any West Palm Beach Rehab Options That Specialize in LGBT Patients?

In South Florida, which includes West Palm Beach, 6.4 percent of individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). Nationally, the LGBT community faces a variety of challenges that drive many to start abusing drugs or alcohol. And South Florida, especially West Palm Beach, is no exception. Fortunately, there is no shortage of LGBT-friendly rehab facilities available to those who are ready to put substance abuse behind them. According to Intervention America, a national drug and alcohol treatment directory, there are more than 95 rehab facilities throughout South Florida that are committed to providing addiction recovery services to those in the LGBT community.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LGBT REHAB FACILITIES IN WEST PALM BEACH

West Palm Beach rehab facilities provide counseling sessions that are designed to address the unique needs of those in the LGBT community who are ready to end their relationship with drugs or alcohol. During these counseling sessions, individuals will learn how to cope with the challenges that are specific to those who identify as LGBT, including

Being discriminated against based on their sexual orientation

Hate crimes

Public humiliation

Physical and emotional abuse

Feelings of rejection

Self-hatred

While there are many more factors that can motivate those in the LGBT community to start abusing drugs or alcohol, those listed in this article are among the most commonly addressed by rehab facilities in West Palm Beach and the greater South Florida area.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG THOSE WHO IDENTIFY AS LGBT

As a result of the many challenges that many individuals face when it comes to being openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, many will turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate. This is especially true among those who are battling feelings of anxiety or loneliness, which is often a byproduct of discrimination, rejection, or public humiliation. Studies show that the most commonly abused substances among those in the LGBT community include

Marijuana

Prescription opioids

Heroin

Alcohol

Amphetamines

It is also worth noting that those who identify as LGBT tend to smoke more frequently than those who are heterosexual, according to a study published by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Although smoking doesn’t get the same amount of attention as abusing drugs or alcohol, it can still have serious health consequences. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking can lead to lung cancer, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), emphysema, and much more. For this reason, many rehab facilities throughout South Florida also offer tobacco cessation programs for those who are ready to quit.

MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Although substance abuse coupled with a mental illness is not uncommon, it is more prevalent among those who identify as LGBT. Along with feeling judged or marginalized by society, many also struggle with health problems that stem from their sexual orientation, such as sexually transmitted diseases and sexual dysfunction, for example. Collectively, these problems often give way to substance abuse problems that are accompanied by the following mental health disorders:

Chronic depression

Stress

Suicidal ideations

Self-harm tendencies

Generalized anxiety

WHY CHOOSE AN LGBT-FRIENDLY REHAB FACILITY TO OVERCOME ADDICTION?

The unique approach to addiction recovery is what sets LGBT-friendly rehab facilities in the greater South Florida, including those in West Palm Beach, area apart from mainstream rehab facilities. According to a study published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, many LGBT individuals who struggle with substance abuse believe that they are more likely to be met with intolerance and open discrimination if they seek help at a heterosexual rehab facility. The study further revealed that many of these same individuals believe that the physicians and addiction experts in a heterosexual facility might become homophobic or prejudiced toward them if they discover their sexual orientation.

Most LGBT-friendly rehab facilities throughout South Florida will agree that these are all valid concerns. In response, many offer comprehensive addiction recovery services that include mental health counseling, detox assistance, and addiction education courses that are designed with the LGBT community in mind. Best of all, these services are offered in a safe environment that is free from judgment, allowing individuals to focus on bettering their lives by putting addiction behind them once and for all.

To learn more about the many LGBT-friendly rehab facilities in West Palm Beach and throughout South Florida, you’re encouraged to schedule a consultation with one of our friendly and helpful associates today at 800-737-0933.